Peter wrote, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16.)
“Wherefore” is a conclusion word. Peter is saying based upon the aforementioned truths that his readers needed to do something. But what truths had he mentioned? His audience, the strangers scattered, were of the elect. They had been begotten unto a living hope which was made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They had a wonderful inheritance in heaven awaiting them which was not corruptible, nor defiled, nor would it fade away. The prophets of old had been searching to know the timeframe in which this salvation would be offered. Jesus suffered and entered into his glory to provide this salvation. Even the angels were interested in these matters. So, Peter urges his readers as obedient children to gird up the loins of their minds, to be sober, and hope to the end (1 Peter 1:13-16).
To “gird up the loins of your mind” is a reference to manners in the Middle East, where garments were long and flowing; and in order to run or work, one would need to pull up his garment and tighten the girdle or belt so that one would not be impeded in his action. Of course, it is used in a figurative sense here. Some translations, rather than translate the expression, explain the meaning. Though I am glad to know the meaning, I would prefer that the passage be translated. Some express it as to prepare your mind for activity or service.
Peter’s readers are also encouraged to “be sober.” Sobriety is evidence of self-control. We are to watch and be sober (1 Thess. 5:6-8). Elders are to be sober (1 Tim. 3:2). Aged men, older women, and younger women are to be sober. Young men are to be sober minded (Titus 2:1-6). We are to be sober because the devil is lurking (1 Peter 5:8). We are to think soberly (Rom. 12:3), live soberly (Titus 2:12) and to speak forth the words of truth and soberness, as did Paul (Acts 26:25).
We are to hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:13). If the end has occurred, as per the Realized Eschatologist advocates, then where’s the hope? If the end has occurred hope is realized. There would be no hope for us. If the end has occurred, the revelation or appearance of Jesus has taken place, then grace, God’s unmerited favor, eternal salvation has been received. Such a theory is ridiculously absurd and absurdly ridiculous!
Peter addresses his readers “as obedient children.” It is a blessing to be able to call upon God as our Father. Those who have obeyed the gospel by believing it, repenting of their sins, confessing Christ before men and being immersed into water for the remission of sins are his children (Gal. 3:26-27).
Every child needs a righteous father. Sons and daughters need godly fathers who will be good, male role models for them. Just as every home needs a godly mother, there is also a need for a godly father. If a daughter has a godly father, she will be more likely to choose a godly husband. If a son has a godly father, he will know better how to treat women in general, and specifically his future wife.
Some conclude that1 Peter 1:14 is a strong indication that the book was not written principally to Jewish Christians. It is argued that the reference to their “former lusts in your ignorance” would apply to Gentiles more than to Jews, because the latter had a knowledge of God. However, not necessarily. Jews can be guilty of the same sin, even though their forefathers had a knowledge of God. Some Jews had turned away from God. This verse can apply both to Jews and Gentiles.
Obedience is required of God’s children. In every age, God has demanded obedience (Gen. 2:16-17; 6:22; Ex. 19:5; 1 Sam. 15:22-23; Heb. 5:8-9). Paul wrote, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children….” (Eph. 5:1-4.) In contrast, he warned that the “wrath of God” comes upon “the children of disobedience.”
In addressing them “as obedient children” Peter writes first negatively, then positively. He says that they were not to fashion themselves according to their former lusts in ignorance. The meaning is “do not fashion yourselves” or “do not allow yourselves to be fashioned” according to your former life. This reminds us of Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 in which one paraphrase reads: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold.” (Phillips.) Paul wrote, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom. 12:2.) There is a pull the world has on us, even as Christians; however, we must always strive not to get sucked into the world’s cesspool.
On the positive side, obedient children are to be holy. Peter wrote, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16.) Children take on the characteristics of their parents. Since God is the Father of lights, we are to be children of light. We are to let our lights shine (Matt. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:15-16). To be holy means to be set apart for God’s use. When one obeys the gospel, he is sanctified or holy (1 Cor. 6:11; Eph. 5:26).
Here is the motive for being holy: God is holy. Since God is our Father, we are to take on his characteristics, one of which is holiness. In the highest sense, God is holy. Since we are sinners, we cannot obtain to that holiness in its purest and highest sense. However, we are to strive for it (Matt. 5:48). To what extent are we to strive for holiness? Peter answers: “in all manner of conversation,” that is, in all areas of conduct or life. We are to strive to be holy in thought (Phil. 4:8), in word (Col. 4:6) and in deed (1 John 4:18).
Peter quotes God’s word to Israel, saying, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” This verse is found in Leviticus 11:44-45. After the ordinances given to Israel regarding clean and unclean animals, God told them to be holy, because He is holy. The Greek perfect tense is used in the verb “it is written” which carries the idea of that which occurred in the past with continuing results. Hence, it was written and it stands or remains written. God is holy. Therefore, his children are to be holy.
The Informer
May 31, 2015